Samuel Smithson looked at the poor girl in front of him, and the image of her tearfully begging for mercy last night involuntarily popped up in his mind. He quickly turned his head away, not daring to look further. However, he still let out a quiet "Mm."
Samuel was standing against the light, so Lucy couldn't see the expression on his face. She felt that the tall man in front of her must have blushed.
The gloominess in her heart was suddenly dispelled, and she reached out to him.
"Hey!" Seeing that Samuel didn't react, she pretended to be angry and shouted.
Samuel took a deep breath before turning his head back around. He saw her delicate hand raised in front of him and looked puzzled. "What?"
His straightforward reaction made Lucy roll her eyes, and she pouted, "I've been squatting too long. My legs are numb."
Hearing this, Samuel decisively held her hand.
As he tightly grasped her soft hand, Samuel felt the warmth in his palm, and his heart skipped a beat. He pulled Lucy up with little effort and immediately let go of her hand and picked up her luggage beside her feet.
Lucy watched his series of actions, secretly laughing to herself. They had already slept together; what was there to be shy about now?
However, she still pretended to be angry and called out to Samuel, who had already taken a few steps away, "I said my legs are numb!"
Though her words sounded annoyed, they carried a hint of playfulness.
Samuel looked back, his eyes full of confusion. Lucy thought he looked so innocent and naive that she suddenly felt as if she were deceiving a child.
"Carry me!" she said and raised her arms, waiting for Samuel to come back.
Samuel furrowed his brows, glanced around, and then whispered, "Rest here for a while, and we'll go back when you feel better. It's not good if someone sees us."
Actually, Samuel didn't care about whether or not they would be seen by others and didn't mind any gossip. After all, ever since his family had suffered hardships, he had become the talk of the town. He had gotten used to it.
But it wouldn't work for Lucy.
Because of Albert Hudson, Lucy had already suffered a lot of malice. If they were seen together like this, there was no telling what kind of rumors would spread about her. Since he had decided to marry her, he couldn't let her suffer any grievances.
Lucy could probably guess what Samuel was thinking. People of this era were quite conservative, and it wouldn't be good for her to be seen being carried by Samuel before they were married.
Besides, the malice towards Samuel might not be as strong, but considering her already tarnished reputation, it was a different story.
Nevertheless, Lucy was touched that Samuel was considering her feelings.
But she didn't care about others' opinions, "Never mind, your house is far from the village anyway, and there's nobody around. Plus, I've already moved in with you. It's not like people aren't going to talk about us if you don't carry me."
Samuel cast his eyes downward. Lucy was not wrong. Since they were already living together before marriage, gossip would be unavoidable. He thought about sending her back to the dormitory first and then bringing her to live with him after they got married, but he worried that she might change her mind once she saw Albert again.
After weighing his options, Samuel gritted his teeth, walked over to Lucy, and squatted down by her side. She smiled brightly, revealing her teeth, and tightly wrapped her arms around his neck.
Samuel put Lucy down on the bed and began tidying up her luggage. She sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her legs, and watched him move back and forth. That elusive sense of belonging was once again captured in her hand.
"Samuel."
"Mm."
"Samuel."
"Mm."
...
Lucy called Samuel's name repeatedly, and he patiently responded each time.
"Samuel."
"Mm."
"Let's go get our marriage certificate tomorrow." Lucy's smile faded, and she stared intently at Samuel as he continued to sweep the floor.
Samuel paused momentarily, softly responding with an "Mm," and then continued sweeping.
And so, their marriage was settled just like that. Lucy never thought the day would come when she would marry so simply, and in a flash marriage no less.
But her heart was full of longing. Perhaps it was because of Ms. Williams' endless reminders and advice, but Lucy felt that as long as she married Samuel and they worked together, brighter days would be waiting for them.
As the two silently tidied up, the door suddenly opened, and two women cautiously walked in.